HID Lights? Legal Or Pull Me Over Now?

[mrdell123456]

Well a friend of mine gave me a set of HID head lamp kits for my car. The light kit is the kind that replaces the stock bulbs with a Xenon arch lamp, ballast and ignitor. The color is 6000k white/blue. The kit was a Xmas present and was purchased from carhidkits site, so I do not want to offend my friend by never trying them, but at the same time I do not want to blind others on the road or get a FAT TICKET. What are the penalties if it is not legal? Heck, what is the legality of these light kits? I live in CA if that has any bearing.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

I've been pulled over 3 times with my HID kit at night... once was even for having a headlight (dead ballast) out, and it hasn't even been mentioned. I run 6000K bulbs as well. technically a HID not in a proper reflector isn't legal as it casts light where it doesn't belong. you'll be hard pressed to find a cop to bust you on it unless he's already out to get you though.

 

[VerusRuba]

I purchased a Xenon HID 8000k kit for my MS3... and as far as I know they're legal, at least here in Texas. I'm not sure about the legality in CA but our cars sit pretty low with the stock suspension and my 8000k hasn't brought me any flashing or honking or what have you... It's a minor installation job which requires you to remove the front bumper and mount the ballasts, etc but the most useful upgrade possible for A Sport Model.. you can see the entire road substantially better with HID's and your 6000k is slightly less blue than mine yet still very very bright. I would look up it up on CA's Department of Transportation website if it's mentioned there..

 

[XxProtegexX]

i have 6000K now and i live in PULL OVER city lol NY and the Cops don't mind these i think your Gonna be fine. =)

 

[irishkev90]

should be fine. i hav 8000k on mine, the headlights need adjusting too (they're aimed way up) but havn't had any problems with cops. but CA laws could be different.

 

[Matt V]

Wow, this thread is funny. For those who want real HID projector performance, I can do retrofits for you guys too. Check the link in my sig for more info.